Chris Mattin trains animal lovers across Kent

An animal lover moved by a memorial to a tragic young pup is teaching other pet owners how to save their dogs’ lives.

Chris Mattin had attended a dog first aid course to make sure he knew what to do if there was an emergency at his pet shop in Sidcup.

Just days later, the Gravesend resident was out walking when he discovered a wooden cross with a dog’s collar attached to it.

He discovered the memorial was to a young dog that had died choking on a piece of stick.

The owner of Vitapets pet shop along High Street decided he could prevent tragedy striking another owner.

He said: “We have a dog groomers on site in the pet shop and a lot of people bring their dogs into the premises. I wanted to do the first aid course so I could rest assured that I had the skills should there ever be an emergency involving any of the dogs.

“I knew if those dog owners had been on the first aid course I had been on, they would have known what to do and maybe the dog could have been saved.

“I decided then and there that I wanted to offer dog first aid courses.”

Having received one to one training from a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons member, Mr Mattin is now part of the Dog First Aid franchise, and is running courses throughout the county.

The training has helped the new animal first aider treat dogs who are bleeding, choking, poisoned or suffering from heat stroke.

He added: “We know that appropriate first aid can save a dog’s life, and even in situations that are not life threatening, first aid administered early can reduce recovery time and the severity of injuries in dogs. We all want what’s best for our pets and we can help them by being prepared for all situations, including a medical emergency.

“I absolutely love what I do, I love meeting pets and their owners in the shop and I want to help them.

“If, by teaching dog owners the skills they need to deal with an emergency, it saves one dog’s life, it will be worth it.”

Mr Mattin next three training courses will be in Swanley, Tunbridge Wells and Ashford on November 26, December 10 and January 28 respectively.

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